Alvin Marvin Kleven

Funeral services for Alvin Kleven, 97, of Walnut Grove, will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Alvin Marvin Kleven was born on January 12, 1924, on the family farm in Ann Township to Albert and Emma (Knudson) Kleven. Alvin was an only child, but he and his cousins Margie and Darrell were raised as siblings. Alvin grew up on the farm and attended country school district 43 through eighth grade. He then attended Walnut Grove High School, lettering in basketball, football, and baseball, graduating in 1941. Alvin started farming during his senior year, and he especially loved his horses. While in Minneapolis visiting friends, Alvin met Dorothy Benson, the roommate of his friend’s sister. They were married at the parsonage in Westbrook on June 22, 1946. Alvin was a skilled horseman, and he owned horses from the age of 16 until he was 80. He was a charter member of the Plum Creek Saddle Club and the Westbrook Heritage House. He also enjoyed woodworking, and a carving club met at their home for many years. Alvin also rebuilt buggies and often went hunting up north. Alvin enjoyed the outdoors, and he and Dorothy took their four children on a two week camping trip every year. Alvin died on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Our House of Murray County in Slayton. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Dorothy of Walnut Grove; daughter Lynette (Doug) Smith of Sand Springs, OK; sons Doug (Carolyn) Kleven of Parker, CO, Bruce Kleven of Sacred Heart, and Craig (Linda) Kleven of Walnut Grove; grandchildren Shannon Hanks, Colleen Ladd, Wade Kleven, Weston Kleven, Ross Kleven, Brian Kleven, Justin Kleven, Brandon Kleven, Ashley Wahl, Dawn Scott, and John Scarset; 24 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Emma, and his siblings Margie (Knudson) Bakken and Darrell Knudson.